Introduction
Discover everything you need to know about the vibrant and red cherry peppers here. They are an ideal fit for salads, appetizers, or main courses. These are the most popular pepper varieties from the family of Capsicum frutescens.
Curious about these capsicums? Find out what they are, their health benefits, and types, and get recipe ideas here.
We’ve got the top 5+ recipes and info to give you a detailed introduction to these hot capsicum.
They are worth a try whether you find them fresh or canned!
What are cherry peppers?
These are small, round & spicy chili peppers with vibrant red skin. Their relative pungency scores 2,500 to 5,000 on the Scoville scale. Thus, it is almost on par or slightly less than the jalapenos.
Majority of these capsicums are mildly spicy, but some may have a sweeter side. Go for these without any second doubt if you want pickle peppers! Their firm skin is ideal for pickling them.
Some people may confuse these red peppers with pimento peppers or piquillo peppers because of their red appearance. But, these both are different concerning shape and the level of spiciness.
Pimentos grow heart-shaped and are less spicy than hot cherry peppers. And piquillos grow in the shape of a small beak of a bird.
Is cherry pepper good for you?
Eating them is good for you if you’re not allergic or have medical restrictions. They’re rich in nutrients and low in calories. A study found they may lower the probability of strokes and heart attacks.
Consuming hot peppers can be good for your gut, weight, and blood sugar. They may also make you seem unwell. Eat these hot peppers with caution. Flaming capsicum can cause vomiting, nausea, or upset stomach.
Varieties of cherry peppers
They contain a few varieties based on the level of heat. Names are different for their sweeter varieties and vice-versa. However, the umbrella for major categorization falls under sweet and hot peppers.
#1. Cherry bomb peppers
It is their most famous, hottest variety. You miss some delicious spice elements if you miss pickling these hot capsicum. You may find pickled cherry bombs at almost any standard grocery shop.
Eat cherry bombs in moderation because they can still be really spicy, even if you remove the seeds. Italian salads use their sweeter versions. Cherry bombs also act as a perfect side dish or appetizer.
#2. Fireball
Fireballs rank lower for heat elements than cherry peppers. It takes a few seconds for them to set in the heat. It is also one of their popular varieties for aroma and taste.
#3. Cherry pick
Cherry picks will nourish your taste buds if you chase sweet. These are some of their sweetest varieties. They are also great appetizers for any occasion. Eat them as a snack or fill them with prosciutto, tasty cream cheese, or other ingredients.
#4. Cherry stuffer
This variety also brings you a zero presence of heat. Are cherry peppers spicy all the time? No, varieties like cherry stuffer or cherry pick have got you! As the name says, they are ideal for stuffing.
Eating them whole while grilling and coating them with olive oil tastes delicious.
#5. Besler’s cherry
Botanist Basilius Besler depicted a distinctive variety in the early 17th century. It is an ideal choice for home gardeners with limited space. They feature a hint of sweetness with a mild spice element.
Types Of Cherry Peppers
#1. Sweet Cherry Peppers
These capsicums are heart-shaped and have a bright red color. They taste mildly sweet. They have a crunchy texture and are juicy inside. You can eat them in salads, on pizzas, in sandwiches, or stuffed with cheese.
#2. Hot Cherry Peppers
Although not as spicy as some peppers, it still bring a satisfying punch. They are available in yellow, red, and orange colors. They add a nice spiciness to many dishes. You can use these peppers in salsas, stir-fries, and sauces. They add a delicious spicy flavor to your dishes.
If you want something sweet or a bit spicy, there’s a perfect cherry pepper for you to try. Grab a bag at the store to add excitement to your meals.
Where to use cherry peppers?
You will rarely see people consuming these peppers raw. People mostly use them as pickled condiments.
Ensure that chosen type is sweet or hot before using it in recipes.
We’ve listed below some of the unique ways to add these peppers to different recipes.
Salads
Use them as a hero ingredient in salad toppings or salad dressings. Mix them with salad greens, cheese, and tomatoes for a tasty topping. You can also bring them center stage in Italian pasta salads.
Cherry peppers dips
Celebrate them in cold or hot dips. It also looks aesthetically pleasing while adding flavor to your dips. This vegan cherry-pepper cheese dip for nachos won’t disappoint animal lovers.
Pizza toppings
Pizza with cherry pepper toppings makes the perfect duo! Add them cooked or raw to your pizza. Pepper-only pizza is a great choice. Moreover, you can also add pepperoni, mushrooms, or sausage crumbles as pizza toppings.
Appetizers
Adding stuffed cherry peppers will make your appetizers irresistible. You can find many great appetizer recipes online. wikiHow also shared a 12-step guide for serving appetizers correctly.
Sandwiches and wraps
Add them as sandwich toppings or pack them in a wrap. You can also use pickled cherry pepper spread for sandwiches. This application is so popular that it sells under the name Hoagie Relish or Hoagie Spread. You have endless options to prepare stuffing material for sandwiches.
Stir-fries and Asian cuisine
Bring a pop of color and warmth with the stir-fried, stuffed cherry peppers. They complement noodles, vegetables, meat, and Asian cuisine alike. However, they are more famous for Italian and Mediterranean dishes.
Tips on freezing cherry peppers for long-term storage
If you want to keep and enjoy these peppers all year, freezing is the best way besides pickling. It is also great for meal prep.
Follow the steps below to learn how to freeze diced peppers.
- Choose better-quality peppers and inspect them for soft spots or bruises.
- Wash the peppers thoroughly and dry them using paper towels.
- With a sharp knife, remove the seeds and stems of these peppers. Ensure not to touch your eyes while prepping this.
- Dice these peppers on a cutting board.
- Place them nicely in a freezer bag and remove the excess air before sealing.
The steps are almost the same if you want to freeze the whole. Remove the top and place it back on the peppers instead of dicing them. Afterward, you can place them in a freezer bag.
Cherry Peppers vs. Banana Peppers
Banana peppers are medium-sized and bright yellow peppers with a tangy, mild taste. They are mildly sweet and spicy in flavor. They also refer to yellow wax peppers, Hungarian sweets, or banana chilies.
Banana peppers live up to their name concerning their color and shape. They make a great pickle and are sliced into rings or left whole and stuffed.
On the flip side, red cherry peppers are round and come in sweet and hot varieties. The quantity of variety of these peppers is more than the banana peppers. However, the cherry and banana peppers both belong to the Capsicum genus.
Some people might confuse banana peppers with pepperoncini. They both are different even though they look the same. Banana peppers are mild, while hot peppers are suitable for those who enjoy spicy food.
Delight your taste buds with these cherry pepper recipes
The recipes listed below won’t take more than 30 minutes except the one with 1 hour of cooking time. We’ve kept them so simple that even a novice can prepare. So, enjoy your favorite meal with a delightful twist, and thank us later!
#1. Stuffed cherry peppers
Let’s begin with preparing a crowd-pleaser appetizer bursting with flavors and heat! It is a beginner-friendly recipe prepared with simple ingredients. You can adjust or experiment with different fillings as per your taste.
Ingredients:
- Fresh or jarred cherry peppers.
- Ricotta cheese.
- Cream cheese.
- Chopped parsley.
- Garlic powder.
- Salt.
- Onion powder.
- Olive oil.
Preparation time: 15-20 mins.
Instructions:
- Prepare cherry peppers.
This step is for you if you’re using jarred peppers. Take them out of the jar and drain the excess liquid.
- Make the cheese filling.
Combine the ricotta and cream cheeses with garlic powder, salt, and parsley in a mixing bowl.
- Add stuffing.
Stuff the peppers with cheese filling using a small spoon. You can also utilize a piping bag for smaller peppers.
- Brush your peppers lightly with olive oil. It helps them achieve a golden brown finish.
- Your peppers are ready to roast on a sheet pan for at least 15-20 minutes until their top turns golden brown. Now, serve and enjoy!
#2. Pickled cherry peppers
Let’s now go for tangy elegance! This condiment is great for adding a zing to salads, sandwiches, and as a zesty topping. You can pickle them whole, in slices, or cut them in half.
Ingredients:
- Cherry bombs.
- 2 cups of water.
- 6 cups white vinegar.
- 3 garlic cloves.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (optional).
- Thyme or rosemary (optional).
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes.
Instructions:
- Sterilize canning jars.
Wash your canning jars in hot, soapy water. There’s no need to sterilize if you’re canning them.
- Prepare the brine.
Make brine by mixing vinegar, water, and salt to a boil. Simmer until the salt dissolves, and turn off the heat afterward. You can also add garlic during the boiling process. You can remove it after you’ve boiled the brine mixture. Put raw garlic into the jar and give your pickle an intense flavor.
- Prepare peppers for pickles.
Prepare sweet cherry peppers for pickling after you’ve washed them. Now, you have three options to choose from. You can cut them in half, slice them, or use whole peppers as is after removing the stems.
Remove seeds while you’re cutting them in half or slicing them. It’s time to add them to your canning jars. You can add optional fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor.
- Pour the brine mixture.
Now, pour the hot brine mixture prepared above into the canning jars. Pack them tightly while leaving a bit of space on the top. Let the jars cool at room temperature before placing them in the refrigerator. Store it in the fridge for a minimum of 24 hours after it has cooled.
Cherry pepper poppers
You can customize the spice level and filling base of cherry pepper poppers as per your taste. This recipe is great for beginners and perfect for any event or just snacking alone.
Ingredients:
- 12-15 fresh sweet cherry peppers.
- Three medium-sized eggs, beaten.
- 1 cup virgin olive oil.
- Salt to taste.
- 1.5 cups plain breadcrumbs.
- 3/4th cup all-purpose flour.
- 8-10 ounces softened block cheese.
Preparation time: 20-22 minutes.
Instructions:
- Prepare cherry peppers.
Make about 1/4th slit into these peppers. Then, remove the seeds.
- Add cheese mixture.
First, add room-temperature cream cheese to the piping bag. Fill capsicums with this mixture and set aside.
- Set the breading station.
Set up the bread station with one bowl of egg batter and another with flour. Then, add breadcrumbs to the third bowl. Add salt to both the bowls as per your taste. Dip red peppers into this blend while coating the entire surface.
Firstly, toss them in a flour bowl. Then, coat them with egg mixture and go to the bowl of breadcrumbs lastly.
- Fry capsicums.
Now, fry your capsicums in batches until golden brown. It takes 1-2 minutes. Then, arrange the fried peppers on a paper towel, ensuring their even spacing.
It’s time to savor this delightful combination of creaminess and spice.
Cherry peppers spread
Here’s your spread. You can use it on crackers, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce. The addition of hot peppers is a subtle kick to the spread. Let’s prepare our homemade spread for extraordinary culinary experiences without further delay!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup finely chopped cherry peppers.
- ½ cup softened cream cheese.
- 1/4th cup Greek yogurt.
- Two cloves of minced garlic.
- 1/4th cup mayonnaise.
- One tablespoon extra virgin olive oil.
- Salt and pepper as per taste.
- One tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
- Fresh herbs (optional).
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes.
Instructions:
- Prepare a creamy base.
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, creamy Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and garlic cloves. Now, add chopped red capsicums to this mixture.
- Make smooth consistency (optional).
Process the blend in a food processor until it reaches a smooth consistency. Customize the texture according to your preference.
- Garnish with fresh herbs.
Garnish the spread with fresh herbs such as chives or parsley to add freshness.
- Store pepper spread.
It’s time to transfer your spread into an airtight jar or container. Chill for a minimum of one hour before serving to let the flavors blend together. Serve and enjoy your delicious dip!
Cherry pepper Relish
It’s another yummy condiment striking a perfect balance between spicy and sweet. Prefer small, hot cherry peppers in vibrant red color to add a kick of heat to your Relish. It also adds visual appeal to dishes apart from delightful garnishing.
Ingredients:
- 30-40 cherry bomb pepper with seeds removed.
- One tablespoon of olive oil.
- One small onion.
- One clove of garlic.
- 1/3rd cup sugar.
- ½ cup white wine vinegar.
- Salt to taste.
Preparation time: 1 hour.
Instructions:
- Blend the mixture.
Prepare a blend of spicy cherry peppers with onions and garlic. You can also add some leftover pepper seeds.
- Stir peppers.
Add the mixture prepared above in a large skillet. Then, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Set the flame to medium and stir your capsicums with sugar and vinegar.
Now, cover with a lid for about 30 minutes. Check regularly to ensure the mixture isn’t drying. You can add a bit of water if it’s drying. Remove the lid and heat it on a medium flame for the next 30 minutes.
Keeping it on flame for one hour allows the mixture to cook and dry the excess liquid. Your favorite dollop is ready to add to your favorite burger, sandwich, or hot dog.
Cherry Peppers Aioli
Level up your dipping game with this cherry-p pepper aioli condiment! It is a perfect mix of creaminess and heat. It’s made as a sauce. You can dip fries in it, spread it on sandwiches, or use it as a tasty topping for grilled meats.
Ingredients:
- Roasted cherry bomb peppers.
- Garlic.
- Salt & black pepper.
- Parsley.
- Mayonnaise.
- Extra virgin olive oil.
- Lemon juice.
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes.
Instructions:
- Blend smooth.
Use a food processor to blend mayo, garlic, roasted cherry peppers, and lemon juice. Add parsley, pepper, and salt. Blend until smooth. You can also add olive oil gradually while blending until mixed.
- Garnish (optional).
Garnish the aioli with chopped fresh parsley. It adds freshness and makes your final condiment aesthetically pleasing.
- Refrigerate.
Transfer the aioli into a small jar or an airtight container for storage. Then, place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Now, serve and enjoy!
Cherry pepper pizza
Let’s have a freshly baked pizza crust with sweet and spicy cherry peppers, coppa, and bacon! It is a blend of all the New York-style flavors to leave your taste buds craving more.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups pickled cherry bomb peppers.
- ½ pound bacon, cut into pieces.
- New York-style pizza dough.
- ½ cup sugar.
- Pizza sauce.
- Basil leaves.
- 6 ounces coppa, thinly sliced.
- Kosher salt.
- Three tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
- 3 ounces Parmesan cheese.
Preparation time: 15-20 minutes.
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven.
Preheat your oven to 550°F at least 45 minutes before baking. In the meantime, use a food processor to pulse the cherry peppers until they are finely chopped.
- Prepare the sauce base.
Take a cast iron skillet and heat bacon over it. Heat it for at least 10-12 minutes until crisp. Then, add chopped pepper blend and sugar. Cook until the excess liquid evaporates from the mixture.
- Prepare pizza dough.
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Then, place this dough on a pizza peel with dusted flour or cornmeal for easy transfer.
- Assemble the sauce.
Spread the sauce prepared above with cherry peppers on the pizza crust. Dot it with bacon and cherry pepper mixture. Add some chopped basil along with some sliced coppa on the top of your pizza.
- Transfer the pizza to the oven.
Carefully transfer the assembled pizza onto the preheated stone or into the oven on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and a little browned.
Cherry pepper cream sauce
Here’s our last, but certainly not the least recipe, i.e. the velvety cream sauce! Add vibrant red peppers to the classic cream sauce and taste culinary wonders. Let’s mix it with rich flavors and turn any meal into a real treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream.
- One tablespoon unsalted butter.
- One tablespoon of all-purpose flour.
- One clove of minced garlic.
- 1/4th cup sweet cherry peppers, finely sliced.
- Fresh parsley.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- 1/4th cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Preparation time: 10-12 minutes.
Instructions:
- Saute garlic & cherry peppers.
Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it melts. Add minced garlic and sliced capsicums. Saute for 3-4 minutes until softened. Now, sprinkle the flour and create a roux. Allow the flour to cook for at least 2 minutes.
- Whisk heavy cream and meld flavors.
Pour the heavy cream slowly while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Whisk continuously until the mixture thickens. Make sure the cream blends well with the roux.
Reduce the flame to a boil and let the sauce cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add cheese and seasonings.
Now, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it until it completely melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season this mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste. You can also garnish the sauce with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
Now, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it rest for a minute. Now, you can serve and enjoy! Spoon it over your favorite pasta, seafood, or grilled chicken.
Nutritional value and health benefits
Given below is the nutritional information of 30g cherry peppers.
- Calories: 15 calories.
- Total fat: 0g.
- Total carbs: 2g.
- Protein: 1g.
- Cholesterol: 0mg.
- Sodium: 340mg.
- Vitamin A: 150mcg.
- Vitamin C: 12mg.
- Iron: 0.7mg.
- Calcium: 0mg.
- Potassium: 0mg.
Health Benefits
Help regulate blood glucose
Consuming capsaicin, found in hot peppers, helps control blood sugar and insulin levels. Molecules released a study about how hot peppers can help manage diabetes pain.
Rich in vitamins
They provide essential vitamins, notably Vitamin C, which contains antioxidants that combat bodily stress.
May promote better heart health
Research suggests the consumption of capsaicin in cherry peppers lowers cholesterol levels. In September 2017, Nutrient published a study. They gave capsaicin capsules to a small group. This group noticed good HDL-cholesterol levels after three months of using these capsules.
They have also observed a decent decrease in their CRP and triglyceride levels. These capsules cannot fully substitute prescribed drugs for high cholesterol or heart disease.
FAQs
Q1. Are cherry peppers spicy?
They have both sweet and hot varieties. However, each of its varieties is mildly spicy.
Q2. What are pimento peppers?
Pimento peppers are sweet and red with a mild, fruity flavor. They’re often used to add a pop of taste in Mediterranean and Spanish dishes and are a key part of stuffing green olives.
Q3. What is another name for cherry peppers?
Cherry bomb chili, hot chili, and fireballs are other names for these capsicums.
Q.4 Are Cherry Bomb Chili and Piquillo Peppers the same?
No, cherry bomb chili and piquillo peppers are not the same. Cherry bomb chili are small, round, and often spicy. While piquillo peppers are red and heart-shaped capsicums known for their sweet and slightly tangy taste.
Conclusion
So, this is how cherry peppers make a healthy snack. We’ve discussed 8 simple yet unique ways to add this star ingredient to your meals. However, they are a bit harder to find fresh, unlike other common varieties of capsicums.
You can typically find their pickled versions at your local store. The best time to find fresh red capsicum at the farmer’s market is during late summer and early fall.
Search for a pepper producer and inquire if they have any fresh varieties. You are now just a few steps away from experiencing a refreshing burst.
